Assigned to investigate a deadly accident, Lieutenant Steve Maxwell uncovers corruption and criminal collusion reaching far above his pay grade. To save his career he's dispatched to a distant planet to help upgrade its defense forces, in the company of an old friend and some of the most experienced Marines Steve's ever met - plus one of the most distracting. Trouble is, the planet's antiquated defenses make its new-found wealth a very tempting target - and there are those planning to take full advantage. As Steve and his colleagues strive to whip a rusty, run-down defense establishment into shape, the clock's running out...